I am deeply saddened to report that Mark Irvine passed away unexpectedly last night. Mark was deeply involved in the search marketing community, known as a brilliant paid search specialist who always spent his time helping others during his long career in the space.
Mark has been in the search marketing industry for over a decade, seven years at WordStream and the last four years at SearchLab. He was always a bright and welcoming smile at industry events, sharing advice with colleagues and friends.
Navah Hopkins worked with Mark for many years and sent me the following message:
“do less”
These were the words that Mark always said to me when we worked together. However, he was unable to do less. He brought so much love and care to everything he did.
I was lucky enough to work directly with Mark for about 5 years and have counted him as a friend ever since. Beyond being a brilliant data scientist and a natural leader, Mark was one of the most humane people I have ever met. He understood people at a fundamental level and always made sure that others around him could shine.
Mark often said that I was his PR team, and even as I’m writing this detailing his accomplishments and incredible (and all too short) life, I can hear him laughing because I’m doing it again. Well, tough… just enjoy the love we have for you and drink those heavenly pumpkin spice lattes.
Navah told me that Mark always put data first behind every major project at WordStream. He was a worldly person who traveled abroad to speak at many events. He was very good at connecting with people from abroad. Marc was named the #1 PPC Influencer in 2019 and was consistently on this list year after year. PPCHero has recognized him as a top PPC influencer every year since 2015, as has Microsoft in 2019.
Here is Mark’s bio in SearchLabs.
He leaves behind his partner, Bobby Main and his mother, Virginia Hall.
Here are some of the early reactions to the sad news of Mark’s death:
I can’t believe he’s gone… at least we know he has an eternity of pumpkin spice lattes and Big Brother: Heaven Edition to look forward to.
Thank you for the grace and love you brought to all those lucky enough to know you @MarkIrvine89. Rest in peace ♥️ pic.twitter.com/lpufASDPaO
— Navah Hopkins (@navahf) May 3, 2024
Everyone… I can’t even.
It is impossible to think that we will live in a world without @MarkIrvine89 in him Infinitely grateful to have been able to spend the last 4 years working with him and deepening our friendship…
— Greg Gifford (@GregGifford) May 3, 2024
Like many others, I just enjoyed my time with Mark @Pubcon earlier this year.
A brilliant paid search marketer and a fantastic human being, with the wit of red wine and the personality of caviar.
I love and miss you my friend. https://t.co/ntQzrS7jIg
— Damon Gochneaur (@DamonGochneaur) May 3, 2024
I just saw Mark at PubCon. I can’t believe she’s gone. He was a PPC legend and a friend. 💔 #ppcchat https://t.co/nF0cbQ9U51
— Kirk Williams (@PPCKirk) May 3, 2024
I can’t believe Mark is gone; it feels like just a few weeks ago that we were all hanging out at PubCon. I can’t believe she’s gone. Mark was always kind and generous in sharing his time and talent with the PPC community, and he was a truly wonderful person.
Thoughts for… https://t.co/G2IcsbVtCy
— Sam (@DigitalSamIAm) May 3, 2024
I’m still in shock. You were an amazing person and friend. I will miss you a lot. Rest in peace @MarkIrvine89 🥺💔
— Chrissabur (@ChristoferAlec) May 3, 2024
Oh heavy hearted. Your intellect, wit and sincerity were next level and you never failed to make others smile, laugh and think deeply. You were a pillar of the PPC community. May you rest in peace, @MarkIrvine89 pic.twitter.com/RRFImGlXfa
— Akwile DeFazio (@AkwileDeFazio) May 3, 2024
So sorry to see this 😔 RIP @MarkIrvine89 🙏 https://t.co/4tn8R5LbMR
— Aleyda Solis 🕊️ (@aleyda) May 3, 2024
This is devastating news.
Mark was a truly lovely human and the world is a little less bright without him.
A huge hug to his family and everyone who knew and loved him. He will be missed. 💔#PPCCat https://t.co/wa3u7EKRo4
— Julie F Bacchini (@NeptuneMoon) May 3, 2024
Very sad to hear the news about Mark. I remember sharing several of Mark’s posts over the years. I never got to meet him in person, but I knew he was a very sharp paid search professional. Big loss for the sector. https://t.co/orXg1n19fY
— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) May 3, 2024
😢😢😢 Heartbreaking. Thoughts are with his family and friends 🙏
— Greg Finn (@gregfinn) May 3, 2024
I am disheartened to hear this news. To think we were all together just two months ago. He will always hold a special place in the PPC community and for everyone he has interacted with.
You have such a special relationship with Mark, no doubt. Sending you the biggest hug from MN…
— Brooke Osmundson (@BrookeOsmundson) May 3, 2024
I am very sorry to hear this news as well. Mark was a very nice person and a brilliant salesman. My condolences to his family and friends. https://t.co/nRxIekXBGy
— Lily Ray 😏 (@lilyraynyc) May 3, 2024
I am very speechless. I met Mark while we were speaking together at PubCon. I could feel it, he had a very kind soul. He will be missed. https://t.co/zj1gsdgGFn
— Ben Fisher (@TheSocialDude) May 3, 2024
What a truly wonderful human he was. This is just devastating and so heartbreaking. Sending you a big hug and support, Navah, and my thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
— Ginny Marvin (@GinnyMarvin) May 3, 2024
Discussion forum a X.
